Beginners identification

[meggles13]

Hi all!

I recently found this forum, and have found it so helpful in my entry to the world of beautiful gemstones and jewellery. It’s quite overwhelming to begin with and I’m trying to teach myself slowly but surely!

I recently purchased a ring at auction (an impulse buy ‍) which listed it as “an unmarked gold, diamond, sapphire, ruby, emerald, eternity ring”. I went ahead and made the successful bid, only to realise later the auction house has awful reviews for misleading customers.

The ring arrived today, and regardless of whether it turns out to be “real”, I really do like it, I didn’t break my bank at all, so I am fairly happy.

I would love some help trying to identify the stones though from people with fabulous knowledge, it would be greatly appreciated.

I’ve added some pictures, I’ve used a UV light and most of the pink/redstones emit a red/pink glow. Most of the “diamonds” emit a blue glow. Not every stone of the same kind seems to emit the same glow however.

I do have a loupe and I’m just learning what to look for! I’ve added some pictures if anyone could be of any help or point me in the right direction, I’d be eternally grateful!

Many thanks from an impulsive purchase beginner. (I’ll be doing a lot more research before future purchases )

Thank you

 

[Avondale]

Well, you probably realise that pictures won't be enough for proper identification. Your best bet is a trip to the jeweller for that purpose.

But they're enough for some speculation.

To start with the sapphires, they're very dark, almost black. Not worth much in terms of monetary value, and for that precise reason, most likely natural.

The fact that the diamonds fluoresce also means they're most likely natural. Not that lab diamonds can't fluoresce, but they have to be grown specifically to fluoresce, and I don't know who bothers to introduce a flaw into their lab grown material. It's also normal that the fluorescence varies in strength from stone to stone.

The rubies are purplish and not very saturated, so my guess would be that they're also natural. Again, why would anyone bother to create sub-par lab grown material? Considering they're fluorescent, do make sure to look at them under direct sunlight, I have a feeling you'll find the glow quite pleasing.

The emeralds look nice to my eye. I don't really know much about emeralds, so maybe someone else will tell you more.

So, overall, this probably isn't something of particularly high value, but it's also definitely not worthless. Considering how uneven it is, it strikes me as hand made, rather than cast and then really beaten up. Maybe the jeweller who made it wasn't masterfully skillful, but hey, the ring has survived up until now and hasn't lost a stone, so that's something!

In conclusion, I'd say it's a good find. Enjoy it!

 

[Autumn in New England]

Not much more to add to Avondale's reply, as usual, and I agree 100%. I think it's the real deal. Even a broken clock is right twice a day. So although that seller may be shady, I believe this ring was accurately represented. If you need extra assurance, bring it to your local jeweler, as suggested. I think it's a really fun piece! Congrats on the purchase and welcome to the forum!!

 

[Bron357]

Welcome to the Bling side.
It’s a lovely ring.
My advice is to start using eBay and other Auction houses to research prices and what’s available. Over time you can then spot a bargain, or not as the case maybe.
With coloured gemstones it’s not unusual for lab grown versions to be used, it’s impossible to tell from a photo and even an inspection can be tricky unless you are very familiar with a loupe.
That not withstanding learning about hallmarks, era elements and designs can help you sort a good deal from a not so good deal.
And yes, they’ll be mistakes, we’ve all made decisions with our hearts and not heads but the important thing is to learn as you go and most importantly enjoy the journey.
I still love my Spessartite garnet ring that was actually a lab sapphire. Back then I didn’t even know sapphires came in orange!

 

[meggles13]

Hey all,

Thank you so much for your helpful replies and words of encouragement!

I’m definitely going to try and teach myself some more before I make any more impulsive purchases. It’s hard when I see something I find very pretty, I need some self restraint haha. That being said I never part with a huge amount of money, and I won’t until I’m confident I’ve taught myself enough. That way I can be sure if I do end up with something a bit “naff” it’s not going to hurt as much as it could.

I took the ring yesterday afternoon to a local jeweller in town. I haven’t been there before but they have glowing reviews and the lady was really lovely. I explained my story, and she took the ring and ran her tests. She said it tests as real diamonds, and also as 18carat gold. I already loved the piece, and knowing I escaped the bad side of the auction house, I love it even more!

I’m really thankful for all your advice, I did take it outside in the sun (we had about 5 minutes of it today!) and it did sparkle beautifully

For now, I’m going to keep reading all the great posts on here and top up my knowledge, ready to hunt some great deals in 2025!

Have a lovely new years everyone.

Ps that orange sapphire is absolutely gorgeous ! A really beautiful stone